2.0 Ethics, Rules of Conduct & Professionalism Flashcards
Ethics - Level 2 Example?
- measure work on site with the Client
- acting with honesty and integrity.
Ethics - Level 3 Example?
- formula error is assessment.
- acting with honesty and integrity.
How do the RICS ensure standards are upheld?
Rules of conduct (effective 2nd Feb 2022).
What are the Rules of Conduct(2022)?
- must be honest, act with integrity and professional obligations.
- maintain professional competence and be competent for services.
- give quality and diligent service.
- treat others with respect.
- act in public interest and promote profession.
Example behaviours of the Rules of Conduct?
Rule 1 Honest/Integrity - Conflict of interest.
Rule 2 Competence - CPD.
Rule 3 Diligence - Quality assurance
Rule 4 Respect - Don’t discriminate
Rule 5 Public - Respond to complaints promptly
Why were changes made to the Rules of Conduct in 2022?
To help create more trust and transparency.
What are the professional obligations for RICS members
- comply with CPD requirements.
- cooperate with RICS.
- provide requested information to standards and regulation board.
What are the obligations for a RICS-regulated firm?
- complaint handing procedure including RICS approved ADR provider.
- all work is covered by adequate indemnity insurance.
- sole principals must be covered for death, incapacity, absence…
- firms must cooperate with RICS.
- must provide information as stated by Rules for the registration of firms.
RICS Regulation on social media?
- expectations remain the same from social media to face-to-face.
- treat others with respect.
- don’t be dishonest.
- promote public trust.
What is the Black Book?
Collection of technical practice documents to aid junior professionals.
Regulations around RICS logo?
- only registered members or firms can use it.
- must act in accordance with organisation rule.
- not alter logo.
- not bring bad reputation to the organisation.
How do you act with integrity?
- openness and transparency
- not allowing bias or conflict of interest
- not offering or accepting gifts, hospitality or services
What is the difference between ethics and integrity?
Ethics = external quality applies to organisation’s rules regulations and code of conduct to allow employees to work following moral principles.
Integrity = internal quality of being honest, having strong moral principles
What tools are there to help members make ethical decisions?
The RICS decision tree.
When is a firm required to register for regulation?
- provides surveying services to the public
- operating in Regulated Area A (UK)
- at least 50% of the firm are RICS members
Can you accept gifts from Client or Contractor?
I wouldn’t as it may be misconstrued. But you can and you should consult the decision tree when making the decision.
What are the CPD requirements for Chartered members?
- 20 hours per calendar year.
- minimum of 10 must be formal.
- ethical standards at least once every 3 years.
- members must record hours by 31 Jan each year.
What is conflict of interest?
Situation where there is a risk that professional judgement many be compromised.
What are the types of conflict?
Party - conflict between two parties/clients you represent.
Own Interest - interest of member conflict with Client/party’s.
Confidential Information - duty to provide information to one Client but keep it confidential to the other.
What should you do if there is a conflict of interest?
Disclose to the Client in writing. If the Client accepts the conflict get INFORMED CONSENT.
What is a bribe?
an inducement offered in exchange for commercial, contractual, regulatory or personal advantage.
What is the Bribery Act 2010?
Covers criminal law of the following:
- bribing another person
- being bribed
- bribing foreign public official
- failure by organisations to prevent bribery
What would you do if you suspect you have been bribed?
Refer to the company & RICS policy on bribery and corruption.
Report it to the National Crime Agency.
What are the consequences of bribery?
Jail up to 10 years for individuals. Unlimited fines for both individuals and organisations.
What’s are RICS minimum requirements on PII?
Previous year turnover = minimum cover
£100k. = £250k
Up to £200k. = £500k
Above £200k. = £1m
How much uninsured excess are firms permitted?
turnover less that £10m = £10k or 2.5% (Whichever is greater). No limit fo turnover above £10m.
What is the purpose of PII?
Protect the following from financial loss they cannot meet themselves:
-Firms
-Members
-Clients
What is PII run-off cover and what is the RICS’ requirement on it?
Professional indemnity insurance to cover firm after it ceases. RICS require at least 6 years of cover.
What is Appendix A of the Rules of Conduct - Members?
Sets out professional obligations for members and firms:
-Members must comply with CPD requirements
-Members must cooperate with RICS
-Members must provide information requested by standards and regulation board.
What is Appendix A of the Rules of Conduct - Firms?
-Firms must have a complaint-handling procedure.
-Previous and current work covered by adequate PII fully retrospective.
-Firms must cooperate with RICS.
-Sole principal must make arrangements for work to continue if they are unable to work.
What should RICS members do in relation to Money laundering?
- Not be complicit or facilitate suspicious (conduct checks)
- Report any suspicious activity (NCA)
What are the RICS discipline routes?
- Caution
- Fine
- Expulsion
